TAMPA, Fla. (trfnews.i234.me) – A 23-year-old man from Ruskin is facing aggravated animal cruelty charges after leaving his dog tied to a fence on I-75 as he evacuated before Hurricane Milton, according to the state attorney’s office.
Giovanny Garcia, of Ruskin, told investigators that he left his dog, now named Trooper, on the side of the road because he couldn’t find anyone to pick up. The dog was found by Florida Highway Patrol troopers who were responding to a tip from a driver around 8:45 a.m. on Oct. 9.
Trooper Morales, one of the responding officers, reported that as water rose up around the animal’s neck, “the dog’s head popped up and then back down.” The dog was standing in water up to its chest and neck area, appearing to be in severe distress and trembling.
On Monday, state troopers executed a felony arrest warrant on Garcia. The dog is now safe and being cared for by the Leon County Animal Shelter.
“Our agency is grateful for the unprecedented support of State Attorney Suzy Lopez and her prosecutors,” said Dave Kerner, Executive Director of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “The criminal investigation is active and ongoing.”
State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated that she takes animal cruelty very seriously and believes that Garcia’s actions warrant harsher penalties.
“We can’t imagine the situation that ended with him tied to this pole and left without any hope,” said staff at the Leon County Animal Shelter, who have renamed the dog “Trooper” in honor of those who saved it. They plan to use his experience to educate people on animal cruelty and abandonment.
The shelter is currently not taking inquiries about adopting Trooper but will provide an update when he’s ready.